November 28, 2025

Message from Our Trustee

December 2025

As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need. 

Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.

There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them. 

Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future. 

We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed. 

A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being 

We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities.

As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break. 

Jenny Chen, Trustee, Markham Wards 1 and 8

Thornlea Goes to Europe 

We’re heading to Barcelona & Paris from May 1–9, 2026 on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with culture, food, art, and unforgettable memories.  From Gaudí's masterpieces and gothic streets in Barcelona to the Eiffel Tower and world-class museums in Paris…this is the trip everyone will be talking about. 

Space is limited.  First come, first served. Deadline to register is December 5th!  Instructions to register are attached. 

For details regarding itinerary and cost, please refer to the following: https://evolvetours.com/quote/paris-and-barcelona-2/

Contact Ms. Pilaram for more information: neda.pilaram@yrdsb.ca.

Student Trustee Applications Open

Students who will be in grade 11 or 12 next year and who are passionate about student voice, should consider becoming a student trustee and representing students across YRDSB.

Student trustees network with students, staff, and the Board of Trustees to share information and give students a meaningful voice. 

Students can learn more about the role and the application process at www.yrdsb.ca/studenttrustees.

Applications can be submitted between December 1-15. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

All students in Grades 5-12 will have an opportunity to vote for the candidate who represents our area of the Board. There are four areas of the Board (central, east, north, and west).

Once the four final candidates are announced, students can vote for two of the four candidates to represent them as student trustees in the 2026-2027 school year.

Students will receive information on how to vote in the election during the campaign and voting. 

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools.  Please see our flyer for more information and the registration link.

Guidance for Higher Studies hosted by The Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada and YRDSB

The Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada (ASLG), in partnership with the York Region District School Board - Educators for Tamil Students Success (ETSS), is pleased to announce a free event, Guidance for Higher Studies, Career Information Workshop for High School Students (Gr. 9-12) and Parents/Guardians.

Looking for information on:

• Career Choices
• University/College Selections
• Scholarship & Grant Applications
• Secondary School Course Selections

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Milliken Mills H.S., 7522 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON

To attend, please register online with Eventbrite.

Come join us to meet professionals, seek the right advice, and step onto the right path for a better future!

Mayor Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) General Member Application

Applications for the Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) Committee are now open. MBYL is a youth-led advisory committee dedicated to representing and uplifting the voices of Black youth in the City of Markham. This is a one-year term from January 2026 to December 2026 (to accommodate for an academic year overlap), with the potential for extension.

The Committee empowers youth through advocacy, leadership opportunities, and meaningful engagement. Members plan events, discuss issues facing Black youth in Markham, and help develop initiatives that enhance the Black youth experience. MBYL plays a key role in advancing the City’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and in fostering long-lasting, positive change.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

• Be a Black youth residing or attending school in Markham.
• Be enrolled in Grades 9 to 12 at the start of the term.
• Demonstrate engagement, enthusiasm, and community involvement.
• Possess strong leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Commit to participating in meetings and committee activities.
• Engage with integrity, respect, and openness to new ideas.

How to Apply:

Complete and submit the online application form by December 5, 2025. 

If you require an accommodation, please contact City of Markham's contact centre at customerservice@markham.ca or by telephone at 905-477-5530.